“The government will assume full responsibility for managing substitution therapy from tomorrow, August 15,” announced Georgian Health Minister Mikheil Sarjveladze during a briefing.

Sarjveladze explained that private centres currently offering substitution therapy will cease operations. The majority of beneficiaries, 1,512 individuals, who previously received services from private providers, have applied to the Ministry and will now, from August 15, access free treatment at government-run centres.

“Approximately 100 people were denied service for various reasons, such as irregular or accidental drug use. These individuals can apply to state centres for assessment, and decisions will be made independently based on their cases,” Sarjveladze stated.

He also noted discrepancies in beneficiary data provided by private clinics, including cases where individuals were registered as multiple beneficiaries or differences in prescribed dosages.

“I urge all beneficiaries with approved treatment to follow instructions and bring ID documents to the service centres. Any application issues will be resolved by August 22. After that, simplified procedures will allow them to join the programme, with amendments to relevant regulations,” he added.

Following registration, the government is prepared to employ staff previously working at private centres, including 60 additional physicians and nurses. The reforms aim to optimise treatment outcomes and improve infrastructure.

“We will continue with reforms to make treatment successful and arrange the infrastructure. I want to wish success to each beneficiary in defeating a serious disease such as drug addiction. The government will not spare efforts for this,” Sarjveladze concluded.
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